Thinking of buying an SLK MK1
Discussion
Hi a friend of mine is really interested in buying an SLK for around the 6-7k mark. Basically he is looking for some buying advice. Is there a forum for these cars? What is the best model to buy? Should he steer clear of a manuel gear box etc any advice would be greatfully recieved!!
I'm no expert, but when I was looking to buy I was on the lookout for the following:
1) Check for smooth roof operation - it should take <30 seconds in total, and lowering the roof should end with the main door windows coming back up - if they don't, I believe there's an ECU on the blink somewhere. Also, check the seals for evidence of water ingress.
2) The manual 'boxes are less-than-great - you're better off with an auto as any extra "sportiness" the manual should provide is robbed by the imprecise gear shift. If you go for an auto, make sure it changes smoothly through the gears and that there's no clunk when selecting drive or reverse when stationary.
3) For your budget you'll be looking at a 230K - check the supercharger engages properly (you should be able to hear a slight whine under full throttle acceleration)
4) Seek one that's been looked after and has the SH and receipts to show it. Quite a few have been scrimped on, and that can just store problems up for later.
5) There was a facelift in 2001(?) - I think post-facelift models can be identified by indicators in the wing mirrors.
6) Check the boot carpet for signs of damp - there's a fair bit of electronickery under there which doesn't like getting wet.
As for specific Merc sites, try www.mbclub.co.uk
Hope that's helpful - I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along before long :-)
1) Check for smooth roof operation - it should take <30 seconds in total, and lowering the roof should end with the main door windows coming back up - if they don't, I believe there's an ECU on the blink somewhere. Also, check the seals for evidence of water ingress.
2) The manual 'boxes are less-than-great - you're better off with an auto as any extra "sportiness" the manual should provide is robbed by the imprecise gear shift. If you go for an auto, make sure it changes smoothly through the gears and that there's no clunk when selecting drive or reverse when stationary.
3) For your budget you'll be looking at a 230K - check the supercharger engages properly (you should be able to hear a slight whine under full throttle acceleration)
4) Seek one that's been looked after and has the SH and receipts to show it. Quite a few have been scrimped on, and that can just store problems up for later.
5) There was a facelift in 2001(?) - I think post-facelift models can be identified by indicators in the wing mirrors.
6) Check the boot carpet for signs of damp - there's a fair bit of electronickery under there which doesn't like getting wet.
As for specific Merc sites, try www.mbclub.co.uk
Hope that's helpful - I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along before long :-)
Look out for rust, especially raw edge corrosion on the wheel arches. The wheels all corrode: it is of aesthetic signficance only. There is a lengthy, in-depth feature in the MB Club Gazette about buying a mark one R170at the moment: it is being run over three issues, we've had the first two, with one to go, you might want to get hold of copies.
odyssey2200 said:
Make sure you are on VERY good terms with your local MB dealer.
Why? I'm currently selling mine after >3 years and 54000 miles of ownership and apart form a pressure switch on the aircon it has never, ever ever gone wrong. Super build quality IMO. Merc prices are pretty reasonable too - often cheaper than Halfords!They got a facelift as someone pointed out in March 2000 (easy to spot - the facelift got colour coded sills and bumper bottoms and indicator lights in the mirrors).
Prices are very low at the moment - you'll get a 2000 model for *way* under 6K. My 2000 SLK230 is on Ebay at the moment and it's bloody cheap and it's in very nice nick indeed. <--- mods: hopefully that doesn't break some rule or other - if it does please feel free to delete that paragraph and accept my apologies.
Edited by Orb the Impaler on Thursday 2nd October 22:02
SLacKer said:
odyssey2200 said:
Make sure you are on VERY good terms with your local MB dealer.
Yes in 3.5 years I replaced the boot lid dampers for £22....... My previous 230K had a dash light go in 3 years and cost 80p....They took me to the cleaners.
Saw all the problems
Wouldn'y have one as a gift!
twcullen said:
Hi a friend of mine is really interested in buying an SLK for around the 6-7k mark. Basically he is looking for some buying advice. Is there a forum for these cars? What is the best model to buy? Should he steer clear of a manuel gear box etc any advice would be greatfully recieved!!
Shouldn't "he" be a "she" ??? 
tricky 100 said:
twcullen said:
Hi a friend of mine is really interested in buying an SLK for around the 6-7k mark. Basically he is looking for some buying advice. Is there a forum for these cars? What is the best model to buy? Should he steer clear of a manuel gear box etc any advice would be greatfully recieved!!
Shouldn't "he" be a "she" ??? twcullen said:
tricky 100 said:
twcullen said:
Hi a friend of mine is really interested in buying an SLK for around the 6-7k mark. Basically he is looking for some buying advice. Is there a forum for these cars? What is the best model to buy? Should he steer clear of a manuel gear box etc any advice would be greatfully recieved!!
Shouldn't "he" be a "she" ??? Edited by GreenMan on Monday 6th October 19:05
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